EWU Grad cap with a certificate

Ten Steps to Enrollment

Step 1: Apply for Your VA Education Benefit

  • The official Dept of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits website lets you compare benefits and decide which one is best for you.
  • Apply using the VA online application. Select EWU as your school.
  • You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility in the mail from the VA in approximately 30 days after you apply.
  • Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the EWU VRC Office by email or in person.
  • Continue your EWU enrollment process while waiting for your Certificate of Eligibility.

Step 2: Apply to Eastern Washington University

Step 3: Receive Email Verifying Receipt of Your Application

  • This email is sent out within a week after an application is submitted.
  • It will contain important information about your next steps to set up your Eagle accounts.
  • A follow up letter will be sent to you via mail listing any missing paperwork still required to complete the processing of your admissions application.


Step 4: Receive Admissions Acceptance Letter

  • These letters are mailed out 2-5 weeks after all transcripts are received, the application is complete, and you are admitted.
  • Confirm your admission by navigating to the EWU admitted students website. Confirm you will attend by following the directions provided. This includes paying the one-time New Student Enrollment Fee of $275. For Post 9/11 GI Bill students, this fee will be reported with first term fees to VA for reimbursement.

Step 5: Academic Advising

  • Academic Advising is required for all incoming students.
  • After you have been admitted and you confirm enrollment, contact the Center for Academic Advising and Retention (CAAR) at 509-359-2345 to schedule an advising appointment.
  • During your appointment with an advisor, you will discuss your plans, progress so far, and next steps to register for classes.


Step 6: EWU Veterans Benefits

  • Email or bring a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility and class schedule to the EWU Veterans Resource Center. The center is located at the main campus in Showalter Hall, 1st floor, Room 122.  Phone number is (509) 359-7040. 
  • Notify the EWU Veterans Resource Center whenever you register for classes or change your schedule.
  • Register/enroll as early as possible because last minute enrollments hold up the VA notification benefits process, which can potentially delay your benefits/stipend.


Step 7: Financial Aid/Scholarships

  • The Financial Aid Office is located at the main campus in Sutton Hall, first floor.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Remember to apply even if you are receiving benefits. 
  • You can submit the FAFSA annually beginning October 1 and February 1 is the priority deadline for the FAFSA to be submitted to the Federal Government.  EWU school code is 003775. 
  • There are some SCHOLARSHIPS specifically for veterans. Be sure to complete the EWU online Scholarship application. The EWU Scholarship applications annually become available by November 1 and have a final deadline the following February 1.

Step 8: EWU Veteran Tuition Waivers

  • EWU Veteran Waiver
    • Must be honorably discharged, a Washington State resident and working towards your first bachelor’s degree.
    • Cannot be used with the Chapter 33 VA Benefit.
    • Provides a 50% reduction in tuition.
  • EWU Spouse Dependent Tuition Waiver
    • Must be a dependent, spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran who has been rated 100% disabled as determined by the VA.
    • The student and sponsor (veteran) must be a Washington resident.
    • Eligibility extends to first undergraduate degree only.
    • Waives tuition and course fees (does not waive EWU mandatory fees)
  • In-state tuition (for non-residents)
    • Veterans, Active Duty members, their family members, and WA State National Guard who are not WA State residents may qualify to receive in-state tuition.
  • Tuition Assistance
    • Financial aid given by military branches to active duty and reserve service members for college courses. Each branch of the military has its own tuition assistance policy.  For specifics go to:  How to Use the Military Tuition Assistance Program.

Step 9: Visit the Veterans Resource Center

  • Our helpful staff is here to assist with any of the above steps, or if you have any questions or concerns. Enjoy the company of fellow veterans and study between classes in your lounge, use the computer lab, or relax.


Step 10: Go to Class

Get good grades. Enjoy life. Thank you for your service!

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.